Wednesday, December 8, 2010

TORONTO, Dec. 8 /CNW/ - A recent Harris/Decima study1 reveals that more than half (57%) of Ontario pet owners think animals are more reliable than people.

Pets offer us unconditional love and acceptance, which feeds our psychological needs as a species. It is not uncommon for people to become deeply attached to the companionship that pets provide, looking to them as confidantes, matchmakers, personal trainers or even therapists. In fact, statistics show that nearly all Ontarians (92%) talk to their pets, and close to a quarter confide in Milo or Fido - even confessing their biggest secrets.
But what's the psychology behind why pets make our lives richer?
On December 15th and 16th, psychotherapist Margaret Schneider is available to discuss the powerful bond between pets and humans.

Why it isall in our head: The enormous effect pets have on humans, in particular our emotional health

Love, love me do-g: How pets help us start and manage relationships, romantic, platonic and familial

Pets: the original "social network": How our pets help us to connect with people in our community

Taking the dog park online: New online communities that can connect pet lovers

When:

December 15th and 16th, 2010

________________________________1The Harris/Decima omnibus poll was an independent poll commissioned by Nestlé Purina PetCare Canada and conducted between November 11and 14, 2010. It surveyed 1,014 adult Canadians, of which 781 own or have owned a cat or dog. The margin of error for this subgroup is +/-3.5%